Huge expansion plans for BMA Peak Downs mine at Moranbah

A major Central Queensland mine could have its operational life extended by more than 90 years if expansion plans get the green light. Here’s what it could look like.

A Central Queensland mine could have its life span extended by more than 90 years if plans for its expansion get the green light.

Public comment on the proposed expansion of the Peak Downs mine, near Moranbah, recently closed with a decision on whether the expansion can go ahead sitting with the Federal Government.

According to the referral document that was lodged with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the expansion of the mine would expand the lifespan of the site by 93 years.

The proponent of the expansion is mining giant BMA, which operates a number of major mines in Central Queensland including Blackwater, Goonyella Riverside and Peak Downs.

Peak Downs is owned by BHP and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd.

The document says the “action area” is 4062 hectares in size, located within BMA tenements ML 70411, ML 1885 and ML 1775.

According to the referral document, the expansion could include open cut mining, the construction and operation of new infrastructure in relation to the mining and progressive rehabilitation of the mine site.

As well as details of what the proposed expansion would include, the referral document also details potential environmental impacts.

“Activities associated with the action that could impact the environment include vegetation removal, topsoil stripping, excavation of overburden and coal, diversion of and release of water to watercourses. Indirect impacts may also occur through the generation of dust from vehicle movements, waste rock emplacement, stockpiles and coal processing activities (e.g. crushing) as well as impacts from lights on vehicles and plant,” the referral says.

According to the report there was “indirect evidence” of koalas in the area, as well as squatter pigeons and greater gliders.

“BMA would investigate opportunities to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts on the species during the detailed mine planning and EIS,” the report says.

A decision on whether the expansion will need further approvals before proceeding is expected in the near future.